Scottish clubs face losing their top talent thanks to a potential FIFA transfer window extension.
The world football governing body are planning to extend the deadline for countries still attempting to finish their domestic seasons.
That could leave SPFL sides in danger of having players lured down south or abroad without the opportunity to replace them.
The traditional summer transfer window opened on June 10 in Scotland and will close on September 1 for the usual 12 week period stipulated.
But FIFA are expected to confirm in the coming days an extension of the window to countries who delayed their season because of the coronavirus pandemic, but who will continue their campaign and play it to the end.
It means their transfer window is likely to only start after their league season ends. With the Premier League and Championship not due to end until July 26 and Italy's not until August, they will be granted an extended transfer market, that could last until October 2.
That means cash-strapped clubs in Scotland, Belgium and the Netherlands - who all opted to end their seasons early and not restart their leagues - will face a nightmare scenario of knowing they would be unable to sign any replacement players if clubs in England and abroad make bids for them.
And Belgium has become the first country to demand FIFA act to sort out this transfer market anomaly that could seriously weaken their clubs as well as Scottish and Dutch sides.
Gent general manager and Belgian League director, Michel Louwagie pointed out: "This would create huge difficulties for us.
"We are counting on FIFA to take this into account when they make their decision on the transfer window. Otherwise, we have a big problem."
And KV Kortrijk chairman Joseph Allijns said: "Without an adjustment for Belgium and the other leagues who have stopped their season early, we will be put at a serious disadvantage."
